A host of emerging north-east companies gathered in Aberdeen recently to round off a business development master class in style.
The event capped the latest Enterprise Partnership Scotland (EPS) initiative, which provides companies and entrepreneurs with high growth potential with the opportunity to learn how to rapidly roll out their growth strategies.
Throughout the course of the programme, successful applicants enjoyed a host of workshops, delivered by specialists from a number of sectors, including finance, human resources and recruitment, law, marketing and public relations. Participants also benefited from a series of residential sessions, presentations from motivational speakers, tailor-made consulting and networking opportunities.
At the series finale, held in the Thistle Aberdeen Airport hotel, each company delivered a presentation to highlight how the EPS scheme has helped them in their quest to achieve their expansion aims and objectives.
On the night, the EPS team also presented a range of awards, including the Most Convincing Business Idea to Live Visualisation, which creates interactive 3D experiences for websites and applications, and the Business that has Progressed the Most accolade to engineering firm, Andrima.
Live Visualisation’s Chris Bradwell commented on his EPS experience: “It’s been a pleasure to learn so much from the sponsors, as well as the various guest speakers who have overcome significant challenges on their paths to success.
“It’s a real boost to be encouraged and inspired by people who think bigger and aim higher.”
EPS’ Carolyn Maniukiewicz added: “We were extremely pleased to bring our 2014 EPS scheme to a close with such a fantastic finale, where each of our participants discussed how they’ve enjoyed real benefits from taking part in the programme.
“The future looks bright for these companies and we look forward to watching them apply what they’ve learned, as they grow and expand their exciting businesses in the days ahead.”
Co-ordinated by Ewan Neilson, senior partner of Stronachs, as well as Jacky Baltissen from EnValue and Mrs Maniukiewicz from Ideas in Partnership, EPS was launched in December 2004 and, to date, has successfully supported a total of 82 Scottish businesses.